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Published on November 10, 2023

On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research hosted Dr. Yenupini Joyce Adams (University of Notre Dame) and over 20 attendees for a seminar on the importance of equipping women with knowledge to identify and respond to health complications during the postpartum period. In this period, deaths can occur from hemorrhage, hypertension, and sepsis; and the statistics of postpartum maternal mortality rates are staggering. Dr. Adams shares, “there is a maternal death every two minutes” and yet, despite these statistics, postpartum care is largely neglected.

It is reported that 70% of maternal deaths globally occur in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In this study, Dr. Adams worked directly with an in-country NGO (Savana Signatures) and Ghana Health Service to develop a holistic and cohesive Focused Postpartum Care model (Focused-PPC) In the Focused-PPC model of care, postpartum women were provided clinical assessments, education, support, and measures of vital signs up to one year from giving birth. Further, a Focused-PPC guide was developed as an educational resource from evidence-based sources and went through various expert reviews. The guide was made into accessible audio-visual content such as flashcards and informational videos, and all content was translated into the local language.

The model was evaluated through a randomized controlled trial at four health centers in Tamale, Ghana. Women in the Focused-PPC arm discussed topics on postpartum complications, family planning, healthy diet, postpartum depression, among other topics, and received assessments and individual counseling from midwives. From this study, Dr. Adams concluded that by 2-3 weeks, women in the Focused-PPC group were able to identify almost all the early warning signs to health risks (e.g., headache, chest pain, seizures, fever, thoughts of self-harm). Women in the Focused-PPC group gained more knowledge and more confidence; and over time, the knowledge gap between the two groups continued to increase.

Dr. Adams hopes that the Focused-PPC model can continue to expand and aid women recognize early warning signs and respond to health complications quickly and efficiently.

Watch the seminar below:

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